He Who Gets Slapped Part 39

JACKSON

Not entirely, Count.

[TILLY _and_ POLLY _imitate the_ BARON _and_ CONSUELO _without moving from their places_.]

TILLY

[_Shrieking_]: Let me go!

POLLY

No, I'll not. Dance!

[_The music stops abruptly. General, too loud laughter; the clowns bark and roar. Papa_ BRIQUET _gesticulates, in order to re-establish silence_. _The_ BARON _is apparently as indifferent as before_.]

MANCINI

Really these vagabonds are becoming too impertinent. [_Shrugging his shoulders_] It smells of the stable. You cannot help it, Auguste!

BARON

Don't be upset, Count.

HE

[_Holding his gla.s.s, approaches the_ BARON]: Baron. Will you permit me to make a toast?

BARON

Make it.

HE

To your dance! [_Slight laughter in the crowd._]

BARON

I don't dance!

HE

Then another one, Baron. Let us drink to those who know how to wait longer, until they get it.

BARON

I do not accept any toasts which I do not understand. Say it more simply.

[_Voice of a woman: "Bravo, HE!_" _Slight laughter._

MANCINI _says something hastily to_ BRIQUET; _the latter spreads his arms in gesture of helplessness_. JACKSON _takes HE by the arm_.]

JACKSON

Beat it, HE! The Baron doesn't like jokes.

HE

But I want to drink with the Baron. What can be simpler? Simpler? Baron, let us drink to the very small distance which will always remain 'twixt the cup and the lip! [_Spills his wine, and laughs._]

[_The_ BARON _turns his back on him, indifferently_. _The music plays in the ring. The bell rings._]

BRIQUET

[_Relieved_]: There! To the ring, ladies and gentlemen, to the ring, to the ring!

[_The actresses run out. The crowd becomes smaller; laughter and voices._]

MANCINI

[_Much excited, whispers to the_ BARON]: "Auguste, Auguste----"

BRIQUET

[_To_ ZINIDA]: Thank heaven they're beginning. Ah, Mother, I asked you ... but you want a scandal by all means, and you always----

ZINIDA

Let me alone, Louis.

[_HE approaches Consuelo, who is alone._]

CONSUELO

HE, deary, how are you? I thought you didn't want even to come near me.

[_In a low voice_] Did you notice Bezano?

HE

I was waiting for my turn, Queen. It was so difficult to get through the crowd to approach you.

CONSUELO

Through the crowd? [_With a sad smile_] I am quite alone. What do you want, Father?

MANCINI

Child! Auguste....